PROCEEDINGS OF THE POLYTECHNIC ASSOCIATION. 667 



1^ incli bolts. This butt rested on a 2-inch plank floor, which 

 was laid on 6-inch square sleepers placed six inches apart. 



It was supported in rear by two braces, 8x9 inches, the upper 

 end of which were notched under the oak strap, and the lower 

 ends firmly abutted against a stick of chesnut timber one foot 

 square, imbedded in the same. 



*' The results obtained, which are grouped concisely in the sum- 

 mary of target firing, (herewith,) indicate a remarkable degree 

 of accuracy of fire, with extraordinary force and effectiveness of 

 the projectiles, as shown by the time of flight and penetration. 



"The penetrations into the "butt " of solid, seasoned hard 

 white oak, heretofore described, were at 2000 yards distance, as 

 follows : With eight pounds of powder, four direct hits, with 

 penetration of 33, 39, 41 and 45 inches respectively ; and three 

 ricochet hits, with penetration of 6|, 13 and 14^ inches respect- 

 ively ; with 10^ pounds of powder, one direct hit, With 39 inches 

 penetration. These are more minutely described in the sheet 

 herewith, exhibiting .i drawing of the target, and the remarks 

 appended, &c., &c. 



The above is authentic and cannot be controverted. In ex- 

 planation of the thickness beyond 39 inches, it is only necessary 

 to say, that two shots struck the target just above the oak strap 

 (6 inches thick) in front, and went into and nearly through the oak 

 strap in the rear, — cutting off one of the 1\ inch bolts, and going 

 many yards beyond. 



The direct hit with 10| pounds of powder passed cleaji through 

 the target, as if it had been constructed of pine plank instead of 

 toughest oak. 



I enclose a set of photographic views of battery, targets, &c., 

 also one sheet showing the hits of ten consecutive shots from the 

 42-pr. gun, throwing the 82-pound shot, and made without other 

 sights than such as the knife-blade on the muzzle, and the line 

 across the base ring, and with dry firing. This shows the excel- 

 lence of my plan of packing, where nothing but the lubricated can- 

 vass touches the gun, and which in no case permits the metallic 

 shot and the gun to come in contact. 



Again thanking you for the kind manner in which you so ably 

 sustained my interests, I am most truly yours. 



CHARLES T. JAMES. 



Capt. Bartlett, New York. 



